Welcome to our new Bat Yam Temple of the Islands Page! Here is where you can keep up with the goings-on at Bat Yam and Rabbi Stephen Lewis Fuchs. Each month there will be an update from the temple's newsletter, Bat Yam Matters. But, if there is late-breaking news prior to the next newsletter, you can bet I'll be all over it, and you'll be the first to know -- as long as you check this page periodically!
Click on the button below and then click on "bulletin" to view the latest edition of Bat Yam Matters!
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Rabbi Fuchs Lifting the Torah Scroll
Bat Yam Temple, February 9, 2019.
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Originally published on Captiva-Sanibel.com
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Faces on Faith: Six women heroes of the Exodus
From a religious perspective, the Exodus from Egypt enabled all subsequent Jewish history to unfold.
Had God not freed us we would still be slaves in Egypt! Moses, of course is God's agent in the liberation and the story's foremost hero. But without the role six women play the Exodus could not have taken place.
Shiphrah and Puah
Shiphrah and Puah were humble midwives. Pharaoh ordered them to kill every baby boy that emerged from his mother's womb. The most powerful man on earth - one worshipped as a god - gave them a direct order! The midwives, though, answered to a higher authority than Pharaoh. Their bravery rings across the millennia as an answer to those Nazis' who claimed they had no choice but to kill Jews. They were only following orders. Shiphrah and Puah teach us we always have a choice. (Exodus 1:15-21)
Yocheved
Yocheved, Moses' mother, hid her baby in defiance of Pharaoh's decree. Then she placed him in a wicker basket and floated him among the reeds of the Nile. What courage that took, but her gamble paid off! (Exodus 2:1-3)
Miriam
Miriam, Moses' sister watched the basket from afar. When Pharaoh's daughter drew it out of the water, Miriam runs to her and suggests the baby's own mother as its nurse. In so doing she saved her brother's life. (Exodus 2:4-9)
Pharaoh's Daughter
Pharaoh's daughter also is a hero. She defied her father's decree and saved Moses. For this she received the privilege of giving Moses' his name. (Exodus 2:5-10)
Zipporah
The final female hero of the Exodus is Zipporah, Moses' wife. She circumcised their son Eleazar when apparently Moses had neglected to do so. The passage really does not fit into the flow of the story, so the rabbis could have interpreted it any way they wished. They could have deemed it crucial or inconsequential. The chose to teach us that God would have killed Moses had Zipporah not intervened and circumcised their son! (Exodus 4:24-26).
The heroism of the women who played crucial roles in our Exodus from slavery is a strong and accurate answer to those who claim that women always play a secondary or subordinate role in Jewish thinking. The heroic women of the Exodus also provide wonderful role models for girls and women today to admire and emulate.
December 26, 2018
By RABBI STEPHEN LEWIS FUCHS
Bat Yam Temple of the Islands.
Jewish Community Day of Learning
The Third Annual Jewish Community Day of Learning will take place on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Temple Shalom. The program, sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, will include lectures, discussions, and a concert. Speakers scheduled to appear are Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and David Prager. Rabbi Fuchs, currently at Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, is an author and was named Distinguished Alumnus of 2017 by Vanderbilt Divinity School. David Prager is the Southern Regional Director for the Simon Wiesenthal Center and is based in Miami. Violinist Rachael Cox from Florida Southwestern State College will perform Music of the Holocaust as the culminating event following a discussion of the book “Violins of Hope.”
Participants are invited to bring their own brown bag lunch (no pork or shellfish). A lunch purchase option will be available. Snacks and water will be provided. Following the program, participants will have the opportunity to meet with the presenters and purchase books. Cost of the event is $18. Reservations can be made by contacting Renee Bialek at rbialek@jewishnaples.org . Look for more details and information in the future issue of the Federation Star.
Participants are invited to bring their own brown bag lunch (no pork or shellfish). A lunch purchase option will be available. Snacks and water will be provided. Following the program, participants will have the opportunity to meet with the presenters and purchase books. Cost of the event is $18. Reservations can be made by contacting Renee Bialek at rbialek@jewishnaples.org . Look for more details and information in the future issue of the Federation Star.
Shabbat Must Go On!
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Rabbi Fuchs is away for a couple weeks, but never fear! Vickie Fuchs will be leading services on Saturday, October 12. See you there!
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Victoria Steinberg Fuchs speaking on Multiculturalism in Wroclaw & Europe organized by Cukunft and the House of Europe. October 2016
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And on October 19, Rabbi A. James Rudin will be leading services at Bat Yam Temple of the Islands. You won't want to miss it! |
Rabbi, Author and Public Speaker, Rabbi A. James Rudin.
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Norma and Flavio Schonholz Renew Wedding Vows
Flavio, Rabbi Fuchs, and Norma Schonholz September 30, 2018.
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Norma and Flavio embark on another 22 years of wedded bliss!
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Let's Go Together!
Join Rabbi Dr. Stephen Fuchs & Rev. Dr. John Danner for an uplifting interfaith experience in Israel!
Be part of a curious, open-minded group of intellectual and spiritual seekers as we:
Walk in the footsteps of Hebrew Bible patriarchs, prophets and Jesus of Nazareth
Reflect at the Western Wall and visit the Kotel Tunnels
Visit the Church of the Nativity and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Visit Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered
Descend to the Dead Sea and ascend the heights of Masada
Cruise on the Sea of Galilee and visit the Jordan River
Learn about life today in Israel
Share Shabbat services and a special meal with local host families
Worship at Church of the Redeemer and hear about life for Christians in the Holy Land
Learn from an Islamic Imam advocating for peace
Learn about the modern history of Israel and visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum
Share many different cuisines reflective of the variety of cultures in Israel.
Deepen the unique bond that exists between Sanibel Congregational UCC and Bat Yam
April 29-May 10, 2019 Ten days, nine nights $3070 per person. Based on double occupancy, excluding airfare, based on a minimum of 25 participants. Includes:
- Hotels
- Most meals
- Luxury coach travel
- Licensed Israeli tour guide
- All entrance fees and programming costs
- All transfers in Israel
- All taxes and fees
- Gratuities
Secure your place by sending a $250 deposit per person NOW, marked ISRAEL, to:
Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ,
2050 Periwinkle Way,
Sanibel, FL 33957
Attn: Sandy Simmons (Deposit fully refundable until November 30, 2018)
Jerusalem, Israel. Courtesy of Dustin Ferrell.
Seder at Bat Yam Temple of the Islands 5778
Vickie Fuchs as The Purim Witch
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Rabbi Stephen Fuchs as Hatach
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It's Purim at Bat Yam!
Purim is a time to ponder important contemporary lessons during a fun-filled and entertaining service. Our Purim celebration at Shabbat Eve services, 7:30, March 2 will be very special!
We will celebrate the triumph of our people over forces that would have destroyed us as recounted in the biblical Book of Esther. The service will revolve around a dramatic retelling of the biblical story augmented by familiar songs with special Purim lyrics.
All are encouraged to carefully read the Book of Esther so that they can win prizes by correctly answering the questions Rabbi Fuchs will ask during the service. All of the answers to the questions are found in the Book of Esther.
One of Purim’s most time-honored traditions is to shake Groggers (noisemakers) to drown out the name of the villain, Haman, whenever he is mentioned in the story.
Participants can make effective Groggers by putting coins into a small cardboard, metal, or Tupperware-type box. After the service, the coins can be donated to our Tzedakah Fund.
Giving Tzedakah (shalach manot in Hebrew) for those less fortunate than we is a venerable Purim tradition.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Purim is a time to ponder important contemporary lessons during a fun-filled and entertaining service. Our Purim celebration at Shabbat Eve services, 7:30, March 2 will be very special!
We will celebrate the triumph of our people over forces that would have destroyed us as recounted in the biblical Book of Esther. The service will revolve around a dramatic retelling of the biblical story augmented by familiar songs with special Purim lyrics.
All are encouraged to carefully read the Book of Esther so that they can win prizes by correctly answering the questions Rabbi Fuchs will ask during the service. All of the answers to the questions are found in the Book of Esther.
One of Purim’s most time-honored traditions is to shake Groggers (noisemakers) to drown out the name of the villain, Haman, whenever he is mentioned in the story.
Participants can make effective Groggers by putting coins into a small cardboard, metal, or Tupperware-type box. After the service, the coins can be donated to our Tzedakah Fund.
Giving Tzedakah (shalach manot in Hebrew) for those less fortunate than we is a venerable Purim tradition.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The Story of Purim 5778
True to the Text of
The Book of Esther
but...
As it has NEVER been told before!
Starring (in order of appearance)
Ben Yokel
Tanya Hochschild
Kathy Zoss
Edina Lessack
Rabbi Stephen Fuchs
Cantor Pamela Siskin
Songs
Purim Chai
Vashti Slow Rap Song
Mordecai Saves the King
Incredulous Prejudice
Will I Still Be Here Tomorrow
Haman
Rabbi Fuchs Reflects
The Adult Issues of Purim
Purim is a time for Groggers, costumes, noise and merriment. With all the frivolity and fun that we shall hopefully experience on Shabbat Eve, March 2, it is easy to dismiss Purim as merely a fun holiday for the young and the young at heart, but Purim is much more.
The Purim story in the Book of Esther confronts the mature reader with vital issues about sexual abuse, the phenomenon of prejudice, and human destiny.
Vashti
Too seldom do we ponder the courage of Vashti, King Ahasuerus' first wife. The world's most powerful man commands her to display her beauty for his drunken friends, but she refuses. She is a worthy role model for our daughters. Vashti refused to simply be a sex object even if that refusal cost her throne. Hopefully all of us can learn from her courage.
Prejudice
A vital lesson about prejudice presents itself when Mordecai refuses to bow down before Haman. Haman is angry, but as the Bible records: "...it was not enough for him to punish Mordecai alone, for they had told him the people of Mordecai" (Esther 3:5). No, because of his anger at one man, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews.”
Sadly, the prejudice presented against us in the book of Esther has confronted our people many times throughout history. Many other groups experience it today. The Purim story provides a vivid example of this phenomenon that we can profitably discuss with young people.
Destiny
When Mordecai read Haman's decree condemning the Jews of Persia to death, he sent a message to Esther to intercede for her people. Esther's response was that she dared not enter the presence of the king because he had not summoned her, and the penalty is death for anyone who appears unbidden before the king unless he holds out his scepter as a sign of acceptance.
Mordecai, through the servant Hatach, asks Esther a question we should all frequently ask ourselves: "Who knows if you have not become queen for just such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) In other words, who knows if we are where we are at any given moment just for the opportunity the moment offers us to make a difference.
Mordecai's really asks us all: Are we on this earth just to enjoy life? Is our own pleasure the primary purpose of our existence? Jewish tradition and the Book of Esther says, "No."
Esther could have lived out her life in selfish luxury. But Mordecai's question pricked her conscience enough so that she risked everything to save our people.
Mordecai's question addresses us as well.
In our lives, all of us, like Esther, have moments when our action or inaction, our willingness or unwillingness to take a risk can make a vital difference in someone's life. We can seize these moments or turn away from them. Esther swallowed her fear and seized her moment. Her example and her courage commend themselves to all of us when opportunities come for us to step up and make a difference.
So, as Purim approaches I hope we prepare for more than a good time. If we study the Book of Esther carefully, the lessons we learn about sexual harassment, the phenomenon of prejudice and our destiny as human beings can enrich our Jewish souls long after the celebration is over.
Stephen Fuchs
The Purim story in the Book of Esther confronts the mature reader with vital issues about sexual abuse, the phenomenon of prejudice, and human destiny.
Vashti
Too seldom do we ponder the courage of Vashti, King Ahasuerus' first wife. The world's most powerful man commands her to display her beauty for his drunken friends, but she refuses. She is a worthy role model for our daughters. Vashti refused to simply be a sex object even if that refusal cost her throne. Hopefully all of us can learn from her courage.
Prejudice
A vital lesson about prejudice presents itself when Mordecai refuses to bow down before Haman. Haman is angry, but as the Bible records: "...it was not enough for him to punish Mordecai alone, for they had told him the people of Mordecai" (Esther 3:5). No, because of his anger at one man, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews.”
Sadly, the prejudice presented against us in the book of Esther has confronted our people many times throughout history. Many other groups experience it today. The Purim story provides a vivid example of this phenomenon that we can profitably discuss with young people.
Destiny
When Mordecai read Haman's decree condemning the Jews of Persia to death, he sent a message to Esther to intercede for her people. Esther's response was that she dared not enter the presence of the king because he had not summoned her, and the penalty is death for anyone who appears unbidden before the king unless he holds out his scepter as a sign of acceptance.
Mordecai, through the servant Hatach, asks Esther a question we should all frequently ask ourselves: "Who knows if you have not become queen for just such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) In other words, who knows if we are where we are at any given moment just for the opportunity the moment offers us to make a difference.
Mordecai's really asks us all: Are we on this earth just to enjoy life? Is our own pleasure the primary purpose of our existence? Jewish tradition and the Book of Esther says, "No."
Esther could have lived out her life in selfish luxury. But Mordecai's question pricked her conscience enough so that she risked everything to save our people.
Mordecai's question addresses us as well.
In our lives, all of us, like Esther, have moments when our action or inaction, our willingness or unwillingness to take a risk can make a vital difference in someone's life. We can seize these moments or turn away from them. Esther swallowed her fear and seized her moment. Her example and her courage commend themselves to all of us when opportunities come for us to step up and make a difference.
So, as Purim approaches I hope we prepare for more than a good time. If we study the Book of Esther carefully, the lessons we learn about sexual harassment, the phenomenon of prejudice and our destiny as human beings can enrich our Jewish souls long after the celebration is over.
Stephen Fuchs
Rabbi Stephen Fuchs Installation Ceremony at Bat Yam Temple of the Islands. With Rabbi Paul J. Citrin and Cantor Murray Simon.
Repeatedly in the Bible, it is the woman who 'gets it' and the man who is clueless. Eve has been maligned for generations for the supposed fall of man, when in fact; she is the heroine of the elevation of humanity. ~
"Women (Em)Power" from "Why the Kof? Getting the Best of Rabbi Fuchs."
"Women (Em)Power" from "Why the Kof? Getting the Best of Rabbi Fuchs."